The Curtain Parted

SATURDAY CENTUS

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2011/03/saturday-centus-curtain-parted.html

supplied the title.

THE CURTAIN PARTED

It was just a glimpse in passing,

Just a glance and nothing more,

Just a quiver of a curtain,

Where no stir had been before.

Just a flash of dark eyes watching,

Just a blur of a frightened face,

Just a sense of desperation

Before the curtain fell in place.

Maybe I had been mistaken;

Maybe there was nothing there;

Maybe my imagination

Had made me hesitate and stare.

Foolish me, to see a drama

In a breeze-blown curtain's fall!

I shrugged my shoulders, almost laughing,

There was nothing there at all!

But still the visionary instant

Lingered with me all the day.

And my eyes sought out the window

As I homeward made my way.

Heavy curtains drawn completely!

Nothing sinister to see.

Fanciful! Thus I described it,

That image that had worried me.

Till, next day, I read headline,

'Murder victim number two!'

Till I saw the young girl's picture

And there was nothing I could do.

*

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A song I wrote for International Women's Day some years ago. Sorry it's late this time.

HALF THE WORLD

When half of the world seeks for justice

When half of the world seeks for peace

It's absolutely certain that, given time,

The threat of war can cease.

When half of the world seeks compassion

When half of the world hates to fight

It's absolutely certain that, given time,

The future can look bright.

Too long we have stood in the shadows,

Like plants without the sun.

Let us step forth into the blazing light

For the good of everyone.

Our half of the world has the numbers,

Our half of the world has the power

It's absolutely certain that, given time,

We can have our finest hour.

We can lead the way

Into a brand new day

For we are Half of the World.

*